UPDF Troops Emphasize Mental Health and PTSD Resilience

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is taking significant steps to bolster the mental wellbeing of its personnel, with a particular focus on resilience against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, stressed the critical link between psychological health and operational effectiveness during a recent psychosocial training session.

Speaking at the division headquarters in Moroto, Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma urged all officers and soldiers to actively engage with the training. The sessions are designed to equip troops with essential skills for preventing and managing PTSD, alongside broader stress management techniques and the promotion of overall psychological wellbeing.

Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma acknowledged that military service inherently exposes personnel to challenging situations that can trigger mental health issues. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to address these vulnerabilities before they impact performance and individual welfare.

“Mental and physical health go together,” Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma stated, encouraging a receptive attitude towards the facilitators’ guidance on understanding PTSD triggers. He also extended gratitude to the mental health professionals leading the training, urging participants to apply the learned strategies to support themselves and their comrades.

Brigadier General Allan Kyangungu, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, additionally advised troops to steer clear of preventable stressors and to make responsible personal choices that safeguard their mental state.

Clinical psychologist Rachael Namuganza encouraged personnel to seek help without hesitation when facing emotional or psychological difficulties. She highlighted the importance of open communication with commanders and colleagues, noting that early intervention is key to preventing minor stresses from escalating into more severe mental health conditions.

The training saw participation from various levels of command, including heads of departments, officers, soldiers, and military students. As part of broader community engagement, the psychosocial team also conducted mental health education sessions at Moroto Primary School.

This initiative underscores the UPDF’s commitment to the holistic welfare of its soldiers, recognizing that a resilient mind is as crucial as a physically fit body. The force aims to embed mental health awareness and support systems throughout its ranks to ensure sustained operational readiness and the wellbeing of its service members. This training is vital for building a stronger, healthier force capable of facing diverse operational challenges.